23 Sep 2019

 The upcoming general elections, rain, good health and social ills were the prayer points for this year’s annual combined church service held in Gaborone on September 22.

 Graced by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and several cabinet ministers, this year’s service coming just a month before elections, also served as an opportunity to reflect on the current political climate. 

“I need politicians to understand that when they are voted into office, it is God who put them there so we ask of God to give us men and women who fear Him,” said Reverend Tebogo Motlhagodi of Organisation of African Instituted Churches.

He cautioned against the infamous “politics is a dirty game” line and emphasised that God wanted politicians with integrity and good values. 

“With elections coming up, I also want to appeal to those who will lose to accept the outcome for the sake of peace and stability,” he said. 

Reverend Motlhagodi called on the nation to safeguard the peace and stability Botswana had enjoyed over the years. 

“Our independence should serve as a time for our freedom and peace, and we must remember that peace should not just be spoken, it must be felt,” Reverend Motlhagodi said.

He said Batswana should be grateful for the natural resources as well as flora and fauna the country had been blessed with. 

Gaborone Ministers’ Fraternal chairperson, Rev. Lieutenant Colonel Reuben Moatlhodi reminded churches of their duty to continue in the spirit of prayer for the nation. 

“It is about time the church stood up and be counted. We are His vessels and we are called to shape the course of our nation,” he said.

The service, part of the independence celebrations, brings together different denominations for fellowship. Ends